"I've copped a bit of stick this week from a few people but I do like a big stage.

"I knew I had to bat for a long time and managed to do it.

"Shane Warne dropped me but then I've dropped six catches this series. I'll take the hundred today."

Pietersen added: "I got my opportunities earlier in the series and missed out.

"The boys have been absolutely magnificent the whole two months we played. Every single bloke in the team is very special."

Andrew Strauss added: "It's been seven weeks of emotional turmoil - I'm so proud to be part of this team.

"Everyone has contributed, every person - it makes you proud to represent your country. We've been on the edge of our nerves, it's a great privilege to be here."

'When something needs to be done someone sticks their hand up and does it'

England opener Marcus Trescothick believes the victory is the result his side deserved for their efforts over the last half a decade.

He told Channel 4: "It's been a long five years of hard work. We have put in the groundwork to give us the platform, we've kicked on in the last two years and this is the reward we deserved.

"It was a really special innings from KP, he was brilliant for us and it's just been just a great day."

Star all-rounder Andrew Flintoff hailed the team ethic which he felt was largely responsible for securing this Ashes triumph.

"It's been really special today - unbelievable. I was kicking myself (for getting out) but we witnessed one of the great innings (from Kevin Pietersen). He rode his luck but the way he played under extreme pressure really epitomised what this side is about.

"When something needs to be done someone sticks their hand up and does it. Everyone in the dressing room plays their part from the captain down, everyone knows what they're doing."